How old was your LO when you took them to the dentist for the first time? What was their experience like?

I'm so confused! Everything I read in parenting magazines and books says to take your child by the time they turn ONE. However, our pediatrician says she recommends around 3 years old, and my own personal dentist doesn't see children until 4! I guess we don't have the best dental insurance, because to see a pediatric dentist who's considered a "specialist" it would cost us over $100.

I was thinking that by taking her to the dentist now at 13 months it would get her used to going and having someone look in her mouth. However, the receptionist at my dental office said one is way too young and would just traumatize her for future dental visits. Not sure what to think now!! Any advice?

Replies

Both boys were 2 and they went to a dentist just for kids in Charlotte Hall. The first few visits were a little scary for them and either myself or my ex had to sit and hold them on our lap. Now my 6 yr old gets in the chair like its nothing. My 4 yr old is still a little scared but does good.

both my kids started seeing the dentist regualarly (every 6 months) at 2 years old... DS went for an emergency visit at 16 months old & DD went at 8 months old for an emergency visit. No trauma was done.

you dentist may take 4+ because most dentists dont want to deal with children crying etc, and at 4 they can sit a little better.

we see a pediatric dentist.... they dont take dental insurance, but you can subit claims forms if you have, which is what we do, so basically we pay out of pocket and then we get reimbursed by our dental insurance.

the pediatric dentist we see specializes in Special Needs children, so if it costs us $5K we will spend it.

a typical visit for one kid usually is about $385 and we get back about 90% of it.

my son was 3 and my daughter goes next month almost 4. they did a visit with me me to show them what it was like and watch me get my teeth cleaned. the dentist made it super fun for them while they watched with sending balloons home, toothbrushes etc and cartoons on the whole time. so when it was there turn they were so excited to go for there apt. good luck sure it well go great!!

My oldest started at 3. My 2nd went at 18 months, but did not get a cleaning. He got a quick check and floride treatment. My 3rd started at 1. The dentist just looked in her mouth. We went to a Pediatric Dentist and he liked to see kids starting at 1.

i already replied once, and deleted it because i had the timing wrong. so if you read it already i appologize. we brought ss when he was 4. i wanted to at 3 but we kept putting it off. we were able to explain to him what was going on and she made him feel very comfortable. a lot of people recommend a pediatric dentist, but we chose "(name of town) family dentistry" they have 1 woman who works primarily with the little ones and she does a fabulous job. you can search around for family dentistries and ask if they have one person in particular who works with the little ones or first timers, but im sure they'll be fine if you wait til 4. do you notice any issues? when ss went at 4, the dentist mentioned that he had some plaque build up in the back that we obviously hadn't noticed. she showed us exactly where and she always suggests brushing kids teeth til they're 6. because we had already been letting him, with supervision, we compromised... he brushes in the AM, we brush for him at night, and he uses an anti-cavity mouthrinse. at the next appt (6 mo later) he was fine. just be careful of sugary drinks and sweets.

I took my LO right around when he turned one. I saw all the same craziness - so I called and talked to the dentist. It was a children's dentist. They asked how many teeth he had - and made their determination on whether he should come in based on that.

All they did was have us sit in the chair - and took a look at his teeth - nothing more. I got asked a million questions about how much juice he gets(not much), does he get candy (rarely), how often do I brush his teeth (twice a day), does he like having his teeth brushed (loves it!)- all that kind of stuff. He got to pick out a toy when we left . They told me to bring him back at 2.